Dual Encoder Rotary Disk for Simultaneous Lighting Control Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control operating units with dual encoders have low ease of operation due to the need to grasp a rotary knob between the thumb and index finger, limiting the ability to enter new values simultaneously with one hand.
Innovation Solution
The dual encoder is designed with rotary disks or swivels that allow for adjustment with one finger, enabling simultaneous entry of two input parameters using two fingers, and includes locking mechanisms and ergonomic fingertip contact surfaces for improved grip and movement freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotary knobs are used at dual encoders, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation is low and simultaneous entry of two input parameters is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into two independent rotary disks (first rotary disk and second rotary disk) that can be operated simultaneously with two fingers. Each rotary disk is connected to a separate shaft (first shaft and second shaft), allowing independent rotation and simultaneous input of two parameters without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a single rotary knob operated by thumb and index finger to a dual rotary disk configuration where each disk can be operated by a separate finger. This adds a spatial dimension to the operation, allowing two independent rotational movements to occur simultaneously in the same operational space.
2Productivity
If rotary knobs are used at dual encoders, then the structure is compact, but the operational speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into two independent rotary disks (first rotary disk and second rotary disk) that can be operated simultaneously with two fingers. Each rotary disk is connected to a separate shaft (first shaft and second shaft), allowing independent rotation and simultaneous input of two parameters without interfering with each other.
3Reliability
If rotary knobs are used at dual encoders, then the design is simple, but wear resistance is reduced due to grasping between thumb and index finger
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary disks are designed with specific surface characteristics and dimensions optimized for finger operation. The disks have a size and shape that distributes mechanical stress evenly across the finger contact area, reducing localized wear compared to the concentrated pressure points of traditional rotary knobs grasped between thumb and index finger.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control operating unit generating digital adjusting commands which are transmitted to a processing unit via a data link includes several control elements, including key buttons, slide controls and/or rotary controls, which are disposed at the upper side of a housing. At least one dual encoder is provided in a control panel of the lighting control operating unit allowing users to enter input values. The dual encoder presents a first shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, and a second shaft mounted in the housing so as to be coaxially rotatable, and corresponding first and second rotation signal generators Both shafts include actuating elements transmitting adjusting movements. The actuating elements are a rotary disk and/or a rotary swivel configured to be coaxially turned in opposite directions.